Emilia Rochefort: Repair Pilot
Nationality: French
Age: 22
Special Ability: Mech Repair
Biography
Growing up on a farm in a rural Alsace village, Emilia was fascinated with the way things worked. From an early age she’d take apart her toys and household appliances just to put them back together again. She was always tinkering with something. As she grew older, she began repairing and greatly enhancing her family farm’s agricultural equipment.
By 18 she'd already become an immensely talented engineer, but when the Axis invaded Emilia's family farm was reduced to ash. She joined the Resistance soon after, applying her exceptional skills to the Resistance’s new Mech Command division.
Personality Traits
Emilia is deeply curious, always seeking to understand the "why" behind everything. Her unmatched resilience drives her to believe that nothing—whether a machine or a mech—is beyond repair. This hopeful outlook drives her on the battlefield where she is pragmatic, focused, and unwavering.
Pilot Special Ability: Mech Repair
Naturally, Emilia Rochefort’s mechanical prowess allows her to make on-the-fly repairs to the mechs she pilots on the battlefield.
This Ability can be effective in several ways. Use it offensively – deploying Emilia’s mech on the front line and effectively turning your mech into a ‘tank’ unit, soaking up damage before repairing yourself.
Alternatively, you can use it defensively, keeping your repair ability in reserve for a noble last stand.
Whichever way you choose to deploy it, Emilia's Special Ability can have a significant impact on your chances of surviving a run - so be sure to use it!
Archie Miller: ‘Mech Jet’ Pilot
Nationality: American (US)
Age: 24
Special Ability: Mech Jump
Biography:
As a teenager, Archibald ‘Archie’ Miller worshipped his older brother John - a decorated Allied tank commander serving in Europe. When John was killed in action during the Axis invasion of the British Isles, Archie immediately crossed the Atlantic to join the fight for his late brother’s legacy.
Personality Traits
Energetic and fearless, Archie is a natural risk-taker. In conversation, he can seem brash, with little regard for social niceties. On the battlefield, however, he’s fiercely loyal to the Resistance and its people, willing to put himself in grave danger to protect those around him.
Pilot Special Ability – Mech Jump
‘Mech Jump’ - Archie Miller’s ability lets mechs under his command to soar through the air and then crash to the ground with immense force – causing heavy damage to enemy mechs and infantry in his vicinity.
In addition to its offensive capabilities, the Mech Jump has deeper strategic benefits. With it you can cover large distances in an instant – closing the gap between you and the enemy.
This can draw fire away from your mission-critical Command Vehicle or any other exposed unit, allowing you to reorganise your squad in the ensuing chaos.
When fighting in regions with more verticality, such as Scandinavia, the ability truly comes into its own. Be sure to make the most of that high-ground advantage.
Archie's special ability is a favourite amongst our team. Do not take this pilot's skills for granted!
Jan Nowak: Landmines Pilot
Nationality: Polish
Age: 44
Special Ability: Landmine
Biography:
Raised in the unforgiving depths of the Polish forests, Jan Novak led a nomadic lifestyle and became a master in hunting and trap-setting. During WW2, his affinity for explosives and penchant for firebombing led to him being branded a pyromaniac. He joined the Resistance soon after the Allied retreat, seeking vengeance against the Axis who invaded his homeland.
Personality Traits:
Jan is a born thrill-seeker, much more comfortable on the offensive than lying in wait. His unpredictable, fiery and fearless nature makes him a formidable mech pilot who has quickly gained notoriety becoming feared by even high-ranking Axis generals.
Pilot Special Ability: Landmines
Jan’s landmines can be placed on the battlefield to defend Resistance units and objectives.
The key to their efficacy is getting adept at placing them proactively in positions you predict enemy forces will land.
Upon being triggered, Jan’s mines erupt into a fiery fury that can deal huge damage to infantry and mechs.
Jan’s ability has a learning curve – but we suggest you stick with it. Once you learn to anticipate enemy movements it will become a valuable addition to any Mech Commander’s arsenal.
Billy Ferguson: Airstrike Pilot
Nationality: Scottish
Age: 32
Special Ability: Airstrike
Biography:
A confident, physically imposing Glaswegian, Billy’s early working life saw him installing and servicing communications technology on warships. When WW2 broke out, he had ambitions to serve on the frontlines as an infantryman, but a failed rifle test led to him serving as a radio operator.
Billy was responsible for coordinating key operations as the Allies fell. Now retrained as a Mech Pilot, Billy seeks to finally avenge the guilt he feels for being unable to assist his friends on the frontlines.
Personality Traits: Stern, loyal, compassionate, strategic.
Pilot Special Ability: Airstrike
Billy’s expertise allows him to radio in a devastating precision Air Strike that can rain down havoc upon enemies caught in the selected area.
First, select the mech under Billy's command and select the Airstrike Icon.
Then, decide on the placement of your red tracer smoke. Try to anticipate where the enemy will land.
Experiment with the placement of this tracer - you'll soon get a hang of the timing and be able to rely on your instincts to pulverize the enemy!
Now it's your turn!
Each pilot has strengths and weaknesses that will help you on your missions. Command them yourself in the Grit and Valor - 1949 demo, now out on Steam!